“Your party’s adventurer rank may be higher, but we came all this way. We’re not backing down!”

“Yeah, I get it. As per the Adventurers' Guild regulations, it’s first come, first served. Of course, no interference with each other.”

“…Guess we don’t have a choice. I’ll talk it over with my guys for a bit.”

“Alright, I’ll discuss it with my team too.”

Miss Lilith returned after speaking with the other party’s leader. I overheard part of their conversation—it seems that when requests overlap, it’s settled by whoever gets there first.

“You might’ve heard a bit, but it looks like this was a mistake by the Adventurers' Guild. This dungeon conquest request got double-booked. Those guys are the B-rank adventurer party ‘Swift Thunder.’”

“Yeah, I heard. So, it’s a race, huh? Well, even if we lose, the guild compensates a third of the request fee.”

“That sounds reasonable. We have plenty of money right now, so we could even let them have it. But since Master Masayoshi is here, I would like to go through with the dungeon conquest.”

“We can just take it easy, nya! Doesn’t matter if we lose, nya!”

It seems no one is too fixated on winning. Yeah, I just want to experience a dungeon, so the outcome doesn’t really matter to me. What’s more important is that everyone returns safely and that this dungeon is sealed off so the surrounding towns can remain secure.

“Of course, I don’t mind losing either. Let’s prioritize safety!”

“Hoo!”

“Alright. We’ll take on the challenge, but safety first. No rushing. As long as either we or they conquer the dungeon, that’s all that matters.

“Well, some people might say things like, ‘You lost to a B-rank adventurer party,’ but we can just ignore them.”

Oh, that’s right—Miss Lilith’s party is A-rank. Some people might criticize them for losing to a B-rank team.

I don’t want Miss Lilith and the others to be spoken ill of. I said I didn’t mind losing, but I’ll do my best to help us win.

“Alright, we’re going in first.”

“Yeah. Technically, it’s a competition, but let’s be safe. If it comes to it, we can cooperate too.”

“Tch… You A-rank adventurers sure are laid-back. Just don’t get caught off guard.”

Brushing off Miss Lilith’s advice, the Swift Thunder party descended the dungeon stairs. It was a four-man team, their leader a burly man carrying a massive axe. Unlike Miss Lilith’s team or Drain-san, they gave off a rougher vibe. So even high-rank adventurers can have people like this.

“Alright, we’ll enter in about ten minutes.”

“I truly apologize. The Verdant Cats have been here since yesterday, yet…”

“It’s not your fault. This is on the Adventurers' Guild, so don’t worry about it. Besides, with more people, our chances of success increase. That’s something to be happy about.”

As expected, Miss Lilith didn’t forget to reassure the gatekeepers. That kind of consideration is admirable.

“—Just our luck, running into an A-rank adventurer party on this job!”

“—Seriously. We thought it was a lucrative request despite the distance…”

Voices echoed from deeper inside. Oh, right, the dungeon entrance is narrow, so sounds travel well.

“—By the way, what was with that scrawny guy? Wasn’t the Verdant Cats a four-woman beastkin party?”

Looks like they’re talking about me. Miss Lilith’s party is famous enough that people know their lineup.

“—He had fancy-looking gear, at least.”

“—Some noble brat, maybe? Probably paid to tag along for the experience.”

“—Makes sense. A rich kid leeching off an A-rank adventurer team. Damn, these nobles think they can buy anything.”

“—Or maybe, since his face wasn’t half-bad, he’s keeping those women entertained at night?”

“—Pfft! So he’s just the beastkin ladies’ pet?! Hah! That’s hilarious!”

“—Whatever he is, we’re not losing to a team like that! Stay sharp!”

“““—Yeah!”””

“““………………”””

Their voices faded as they went further in. Sounded like they were badmouthing me, but that doesn’t faze me.

Back when I was overweight and bullied, this kind of thing happened all the time. There were plenty who insulted me loud enough for me to hear. If anything, I feel like they just complimented my face.

“Everyone, don’t mind them. Let’s take it easy and stay safe!”

“Now we really can’t afford to lose!”

“Yeah, we’re definitely winning this!”

“Indeed. To insult Master Masayoshi like that—they’ve got guts. Let’s utterly crush them.”

“Anyone who badmouths my big brother is getting wrecked, nya!”

“Hoo!!”

“Wait, wait, wait!”

Everyone’s fuse is way too short! Weren’t we just saying we’d take it slow and safe?! Though, I won’t lie—it makes me a little happy they’re angry on my behalf. But if they get hurt because of it, that’d be missing the point.

“I really appreciate that you’re all upset for me, but let’s focus on staying safe. I’d hate for anyone to get injured because of this.”

“Yeah, don’t worry. We’ll stay calm and clear the dungeon as fast as possible. Got it?!”

“Oh!”

“Yes!”

“Nya!”

“Hoo!”

…Let’s just hope everyone makes it through the dungeon safe and sound.